LeWayne Ballard recently made history as the first Texas A&M University–San Antonio alumnus to establish an endowed scholarship.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems in 2013 and an MBA the following year, Ballard built a successful career in technology. Today, he serves as chief technology officer at Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, a nationwide law firm with more than 1,000 employees. Over the years, he has supported the University through charitable gifts, but he recently decided to make an even more meaningful and lasting contribution by creating the LeWayne Ballard Leave Your Legacy Endowed Scholarship.
“The scholarship is intended for first-generation students with a history of giving back to the community,” Ballard said. “I want to make sure the people who benefit from the scholarship have helped others.”
After an initial investment period, Ballard’s $50,000 endowment will provide perpetual scholarship support each semester. In the meantime, he made an additional gift to launch scholarships immediately for spring and fall 2026 while the endowment fund grows.
“It’s about using generosity to leave a legacy and demonstrate a lasting commitment,” Ballard said. “It’s really an honor to be able to give back.”
As a first-generation college student, Ballard said the opportunity to establish an endowed scholarship is deeply personal.
“My parents helped build a legacy for me and my two siblings to attend college,” he said. “I had the advantage of my parents’ support, and I want to make sure I support the next generation. It’s about creating permanence and building something sustainable that reflects my long-term commitment to first-generation students. I want this opportunity to exist long after I’m gone.”
Before joining Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, where he has worked for a decade, Ballard served as an IT security and compliance engineer at GVTC Communications and as a senior systems engineer at both JDA Software and Waste Management, Inc.
In 2021, Ballard received A&M–San Antonio’s Spirit of the Jaguar Alumni Award, recognizing both his professional achievements and his volunteer work with local organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Adopt-A-Family. He has also helped provide high school and college students with paid internships at his workplace.
“I’m always looking for ways to help the next generation of students,” he said. “I’ve seen many graduates run into the roadblock of not being able to get hired because they don’t have experience. We bring on interns and give them real-world experience to help build their résumés and give them an advantage in their career search.”
When Ballard attended A&M–San Antonio, the University was still in its early years after being established in 2009, with only one or two buildings completed on campus.
“This was back when graduating students could put their names on the walkway bricks in the courtyard,” he said. “I’m proud to say my name is on one of those bricks. I was on campus a few months ago, and I was shocked at how much the campus has changed and how big it is. It’s really impressive.”
Having recently celebrated its 20,000th graduate, the University continues to strengthen the local economy through the success of its alumni. According to a recent economic impact analysis by Lightcast, A&M–San Antonio students will collectively gain $427 million in increased earnings over their careers. In fiscal year 2022–23 alone, alumni generated $181.8 million in additional income for Bexar County, strengthening the region’s workforce.
Ballard’s story demonstrates that the impact of A&M–San Antonio alumni extends beyond economic numbers. Through his generosity, he is helping expand opportunities for future students and strengthening the community.
“We are deeply grateful for LeWayne’s philanthropic support and his desire to help future A&M–San Antonio students succeed,” said Gwen Notestine, the University’s vice president for advancement. “His endowed scholarship is an investment in the aspirations of first-generation students, and a powerful example of how our alumni are giving back to create lasting opportunities for the next generation of Jaguars.”